OKC Thunder OT win 3 takeaways: Dortfense rules – Free Bazley

Free Darius Bazley!

Whether the choice to sit Steven Adams at game end, due to a knee contusion was the reason or it was a decision by the coach is semantics. What that segment of the game highlighted, however, is the OKC Thunder CANNOT afford to keep giving Steven Adams and Nerlens Noel as many minutes as Donovan has.

This is NOT an indictment of either of the Thunder big men. Rather, it’s a testament to the style of play of this series and the personnel involved. As TI has noted previously the Rockets are the unicorn team of the NBA. As such Billy Donovan could quite literally play Lu Dort at center if he so chose.

For as great as Adams and Noel can be at grabbing rebounds they aren’t offensive beasts and if Donovan isn’t going to utilize them to capitalize on scoring in the paint then it would behoove him to put players on the court who can score and defend. I watched Dort set screens for Chris Paul on the offensive end just as adequately as Adams so at least for this series it’s not an area the team would lose by going with other options.

And — that option in my humble opinion should be Darius Bazley. He’s just recently developed more of a skillset and is bristling with confidence. His height is an issue for the Rockets and he’s adept at rebounding. Even on the occasions, he guarded Harden he did a decent job.